Monday, December 16, 2013

Ever
noticed how the week leading up to Christmas is pure and utter
chaos? As much as we tell ourselves that this year we're going to
relax more and not go overboard with holiday festivities, we don't
listen and who are we kidding, we go above and beyond what we did the
previous year. Our eating patterns get thrown out of whack, our daily
chores get tossed aside and our sleeping patterns- wait, what
sleeping patterns? We are on constant overload and we're not
getting enough nutrients, yet getting sick is not an option.
Well, take one deep breath because we've got a smoothie a day to keep
your stress [and grey hairs] of the holidays away. It's not like
we're asking you to make a gourmet breakfast, so if you have a
blender and can only spare five minutes of your time – this is your
best solution.

Cran-Orange
Smoothie

Add
a burst of flavour to your morning with the tartness of cranberries,
complete with antioxidants, and the sweetness of oranges, which makes
up for your Vitamin C intake. Vega One protein powder is a great
addition because one serving has 15g of protein, 6g fibre, 3 servings
of greens, 2.7 cups of antioxidants, 1 billion probiotics and 1.5g of
omega-3. If that doesn't make you're day seem productive, we don't
know what will.

1/4
cup whole cranberries, fresh or frozen

1
orange, peeled

1
scoop Vega One (berry flavour)

1
pinch cinnamon

1
cup water

1/2
cup ice cubes

Almond
Cinnamon Date Smoothie

Besides
its lovely smell, cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar – making it a
great choice for diabetics. It reduces LDL choloestrol levels, has
many anti-infectious compounds and contains fiber, calcium, iron and
manganese. Adding even a small amount into your daily diet is a
fabulous place to start. The added coffee will give you a wake up
call and the turmeric helps to cleanse your liver and act as an
antiseptic for any cuts and burns.

The
colour of this smoothie is one thing [can it get anymore festive?]
but it's the health benefits, that makes this smoothie a winning pick
for your morning. We can't stress enough how important it is to get
your greens. They play a key role in reducing blood clots and the
vitamin K source will help you looking young, even in this time of
stress. It can help lower cholesterol and its high in calcium which
is where the bitter taste comes from (good thing this smoothie hides
it so well). Just make sure you check your face in your mirror, it
would be a little harder explaining the green moustache then the
health benefits of this smoothie.

1/4
cup avocado, mashed

1
1/2 cups of greens [kale, spinach, chard etc.]

1
cup coconut water

1
pear, remove stem

2
tbsp lemon juice

1/2
cup ice

1-2
pinches of cayenne/ginger [optional]

Cocoa
Berry Smoothie

Sometimes
a little chocolate in the morning is just what the doctor ordered for
a jump start to the day. And right your doctor is! Packed full of
antioxidants, cocoa powder is also high in magnesium and iron, yet
they won't give you the downing effect hours later that sugar will,
because it doesn't contain any. This is the perfect smoothie to down
before you dive into your housekeeping chores.

1
scoop Vega protein smoothie [bodacious berry flavour]

2
tsp cocoa powder

1
cup almond milk

1
cup frozen berries

1/4
tsp vanilla

Generous
handful of chopped mint leaves

Ginger,
Peach, Chamomile Smoothie

A
little zest of ginger never hurt anyone, and it's certainly not just
a flavour that should be saved for your stir-fry night! Ginger is a
great anti-inflammatory source and can aid in digestion, as well as
give you relief from sickness. That, paired with the calming effects
of chamomile, will have you ready to tackle the busy shopping mall,
all-day-long.

1
chamomile tea [steeped in a 1/2 cup of boiling water]

1/2
cup soy/almond/coconut milk

1
peach, skinned, stone removed

1
tsp grated fresh ginger

1-2
tsp wheatgerm

Turn
Beet Holiday Red Smoothie

Beets
are an amazing source of potassium, magnesium, fibre, phosphorus,
iron, vitamins A, B & C as well as beta-carotene. They are great
tonics for the liver, work as a blood purifier and can prevent
various forms of cancer – not to mention the natural energy they
give you – perfect for the morning after a late night of holiday
socializing over a glass of vino.

1
small beet

1
cucumber

1
banana

1
scoop vanilla protein powder

1
cup water

2
tsp ginger, freshly grated

You're 'Fig-ing Crazy' Smoothie

Often
overlooked, figs are a great addition into any sweet-tooths diet.
Naturally high in sugar, minerals and soluble fibre, figs are also
rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper and are a
great source of antioxidants as well as vitamins A, E & K. Making
this the perfect smoothie to consume the morning after a big dinner
that was high in sodium.